Lamayuru Monastery Ladakh

Lamayuru Monastery

Lamayuru Monastery, also known as Yuru Gompa, is a Buddhist monastery located in the Lamayuru village of Ladakh. It is one of the oldest and largest monasteries in Ladakh and is known for its stunning architecture and rich cultural heritage. The monastery was founded in the 10th century by the Indian scholar Mahasiddha Naropa, who is said to have meditated in the caves around the monastery. The monastery has since been renovated and expanded several times and now consists of several buildings and temples.

The most impressive structure of the monastery is the main prayer hall, which is adorned with beautiful frescoes, murals, and thangkas. The prayer hall also houses a statue of Vairocana Buddha, which is said to have been brought to the monastery by Naropa himself.

The Lamayuru Monastery is also famous for its annual festival known as the Yuru Kabgyat, which is held in the summer months. The festival is a celebration of the victory of good over evil and involves the enactment of various Buddhist rituals and dances. Apart from its religious significance, the Lamayuru Monastery also offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape, which is known for its unique geological formations. The monastery is located in a valley that is known for its lunar-like landscape and is often referred to as the "Moonland".

Visitors to the Lamayuru Monastery can also explore the nearby caves and meditation cells, which were used by the monks for solitary meditation. The monastery also offers accommodation for visitors who wish to experience the monastic lifestyle and learn about Buddhism.

Where to Stay

There are a few accommodation options available in Lamayuru. Most of the places to stay are basic guesthouses, homestays, and campsites. The basic amenities are available in most of the places but any kind of luxury is not expected at this high altitude area. Many of the camps and cottages has Lake view rooms.

How to Reach

• Nearest Airport to reach Lamayuru is Leh (Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport), which is at a distance of 120 Kms. Leh Airport has direct flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Srinagar and Chandigarh.

• The Lamayuru Monastery is easily accessible from Leh and can be reached by road. It is located around 125 km from Leh and takes around 3-4 hours to reach by car or bus. Taxis are easily available on hire from Leh and Kargil town.